This is one of those emails that feels simple to write — and strangely significant to send.

Falken’s Labyrinth, as a Substack publication, is coming to a close.

I reintroduced it back in August of 2025 with good intentions, big internal shifts underway, and a sense that something wanted a container again. And then… life happened. Work deepened. Energy went elsewhere. Silence set in.

Rather than pretend that silence means something is “wrong,” I want to name what’s actually true:

This particular chapter has run its course.

All good things do — especially the ones that were meant to be temporary containers rather than permanent homes.

Here’s the important part, though:

I’m not going anywhere.

You’ll still be hearing from me.
From the same human.
With the same voice.
Following the same threads of shadow, symbol, psyche, and emergence.

I’m in the process of migrating all of my businesses to a new email platform that gives me more coherence, flexibility, and nervous-system-friendly pacing. Everyone on this list will be automatically subscribed there — no action required on your part.

Think of this less as an ending and more as a relocation.

Same traveler.
Different road.

As for Substack itself: I’m not ruling out returning someday. But if and when I do, it will be under a new roof, with a new purpose, and a different kind of journey. This particular version of Falken’s Labyrinth has said what it needed to say.

And I’m listening.

One more small orientation so nothing feels confusing: shortly after this email, you’ll start seeing a few messages over the next week connected to a shadow-work-focused event I’m part of. That’s not a hard pivot or a sudden sales ambush — it’s simply where the current energy is flowing, and I wanted you to have context before it arrives.

As always, you’re welcome to stay.
You’re welcome to unsubscribe.
And you’re welcome to reply and tell me what this chapter has meant to you — or what you’re hoping the next one holds.

Thank you for being here.
Thank you for your patience.
And thank you for walking this particular stretch of the labyrinth with me.

Stay resonant, folks.

— Matt
(a.k.a. Falken’s Mage)

It’s not that I didn’t want to talk to you. I’ve been really busy. Building all the things.

I actually finished what I was making for you in October. But I’ve spent most of my time since then pondering the perfect way to tell you about it.

Instead of just telling you about it.

Resistance is a bitch.

I still have these moments where it gets the best of me. But then I wake up and tell it to step aside, because it’s time for my creativity to shine.

Let’s Begin at the Beginning

Many of you have been with me since the beginning.

Traveling with me through multiple incarnations of Falken’s Labyrinth and/or Contemplating Resonance.

Several of you met me through a little Google Sheet template that I made back in 2024.

Shortly after I began my tarot journey, I started a daily pull practice. I recorded each day’s pair of cards in a journal. As I looked at each month’s list of pulls, I started to notice patterns. Repetitive cards. Many cards from the same two suits. Many cards with correspondences to the number FOUR or the planet JUPITER.

I did what any engineer would do - I made a spreadsheet. Then I was able to write formulae and create charts to make these patterns plainly visible. The template for this spreadsheet became something I offered for free to my tarot clients. Many folks loved it and have used it for YEARS.

Eventually I hit the limits of what I could do with a spreadsheet, and I decided to really put on my engineer’s hat (did I mention I’ve been writing software for most of my life?) and create an app. A weekend spent building a very basic prototype and sending it off to friends resulted in a long list of “TAKE MY MONEY” responses. TarotPulse was born.

Thus began six months of coding, coding, coding and testing, testing, testing. As well as forming a business container for the app, RitualSync LLC, with my business partner Jaye Anne Beringer.

On October 31, in celebration of Blessed Samhain, we launched.

What Exactly IS TarotPulse?

TarotPulse’s purpose is to record your tarot readings and then provide ongoing analytical insights, revealing the patterns that exist over time, and allowing you to make meaning not only from individual readings, but also from those patterns.

It’s easier to show than to tell, so here’s Jaye Anne taking you on a little tour:

And here’s an episode of the Feminine Alchemy podcast where Jaye Anne’s co-host Julie Dean Richards interviews both of us on our journey of creating TarotPulse:

https://femininealchemy.buzzsprout.com/1835081/episodes/18111533-bonus-tarot-pulse-sacred-data-that-will-change-your-world

Have a Month FREE on Me

Through the end of 2025, I’m offering all Falken’s Labyrinth subscribers one month free with the code: FALKENFREEMONTH. After that, our normal subscriptions are $10/month and $100/year. We also have a very limited number of lifetime subscription spots remaining.

Enjoy! And Blessed Yule to all who celebrate.

Sign up by clicking the button below:

Take Me to Tarot Pulse

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Essentially, at this moment, my available energy, spoons, fucks to give, etc. are insufficient to fuel my creative desires.

One of the causes is very much also a blessing: my “muggle job” has completely transformed.

For the first time in very long time, I feel like I have the support of my leadership and my peers to do really big things. Additionally, I’m not having to spend much energy convincing people that the things I want us to do are valuable or important. Everyone already agrees.

My biggest challenge right now is pushing this massive boulder of organizational inertia up the hill of progress. If I zoom out, I can see myself gaining altitude. One inch at a time.

And every single inch carries the weight of a Sisyphean endeavour.

Don’t get me wrong. This is not only what I wanted and needed, but ultimately its a situation of my own orchestration. If you’d asked me at the beginning of the summer if this is where I’d be right now, I’d probably have laughed in your face. Such is chaos of the moment. For me, 2025 has been a year of embracing chaos and learning to work with it to influence reality in accordance with my will.

If you think that sounds like chaos magick, you would be correct. But it’s more than that. It’s also a matter of working with the emotional triggers that are tickled by that chaos, discovering the core fears my Ego has associated with that chaos, and setting aside the inherited fight or flight responses that my “lizard brain” invokes in response to those triggers.

What I didn’t realize was how much energy this inner and outer work combined would burn.

So when I finally reach those periods of free time where I can create the things that I deeply want to bring into the world, well, I’m fucking exhausted.

All I’ve got in me is potato time…

What I’m learning, however, is that potato time is not only “OK,” it’s essential, cyclical, and inherently, it not visibly, creative.

• It’s essential because the human brain, especially the neurodivergent variety, is tuned to a resonance between “productive AF” and potato.

• It’s cyclical because all resonance is cyclical. It’s a wave form that oscillates between two extremes of polarity.

• It’s creative because of the ridiculous amount of unconscious creation that’s happening while we rest. Our unconscious mind is constantly churning through and working things out. Much of this activity happens while we’re sleeping.

The Dopamine Dispatch

ADHDers have two modes: godlike focus or potato

If you have ADHD, you already know how this goes. On Monday, we're eight hours deep into a project, flowing through it like a little productivity machine. Look at us go! We’re unstoppable…

Read more

8 months ago · 317 likes · 46 comments · Kelly Banks

And it’s our dreams that bring it to our consciousness.

I know what you’re going to say: “I don’t dream.”

Yes, you do. You just don’t remember them.

What’s the difference, you say?

The difference is that your unconscious mind is doing that work vs. doing nothing. You’re just not paying attention, so your dreams are sinking back into your unconscious mind before you can record the symbols in order to work with them.

OK, you say, I’ll bite. How do I start remembering my dreams?

Start paying attention.

The standard advice is to place a journal and pen by your bed, and first thing, as soon as you wake up, jot down anything (regardless of how small) you remember from your dreams. If you don’t remember anything, write down “I remember nothing.”

This worked for me, but only after I switched to using a dream recording app called Temenos on my phone. I don’t think there’s anything magical about the app itself (it does have some cool feature that I don’t really use much), but I realized I was much more wired to grab my phone first thing, so I decided to piggyback on that habit. When I was using the paper journal, I’d often forget that it was there.

You need something that’s fairly automatic, because you need it to happen while you’re still in that liminal space of just waking from sleep. If you don’t act immediately, you’ll fully “wake up” and that dream will disappear before you know it’s gone.

At any rate, you know what I’ve noticed during my recent proliferation of potato time? A lot of really important dreams that are helping to sort through some long-term internal struggles, the resolution of each of which is preparing me for that next burst of external creative activity.

Stay tuned… the results are on their way. It just isn’t going to be quick!

What’s Resonating with the Collective?

A new feature I’m planning to include in my weekly-ish letters is a collective tarot reading that interrogates the energies flowing within and around all of the members of the Falken’s Labyrinth community.

For this week’s reading, we have a three-card spread, pulled from the classic Rider Waite Smith deck:

1. Four of Pentacles

2. The Empress

3. Knight of Cups

I find this pull fascinating because within it I immediately see the same energies that I’ve been writing about this morning.

The Four of Pentacles carries with it both energies of stability and stagnation. It’s often referred to as “the miser card,” representing one who is overly focused on accumulation and protection of material wealth, often money itself. Examining the man depicted on the card, you can see that he is crouched in a defensive posture, braced for impact, guarding his head and his heart with his coins.

While many readers automatically see the Four of Pentacles in a negative light, that’s not my approach. Having recently, as you know, experienced extreme financial instability, I have done a lot of work to call in the energy of this card.

Lack of stability is exhausting.

It’s hard to let yourself rest when you’re standing on the edge of the cliff, worried about falling to your doom.

When we look next door to the Empress, we see another seated figure. But it’s a different kind of sitting. The “bad bitch goddess of creation” is reclined and relaxed. She’s in a posture of recreation (RE-creation).

She’s in the posture that I’d much rather find myself in. And I bet you would also.

Moving further to the right, and the Knight of Cups, the message of the first two cards becomes even clearer. The Knight is carrying the emotional energy in his cup from left to right. If he keeps going off the edge of the card, he’ll keep flowing in that direction.

The emotional energy of Earth/Pentacles stability is being carried forward to the Empress, where she can rest in that stability and perform her magic. But wait, there’s more!

Look at the numbers on the first two cards: 4 + 3 = 7.

Seven is a number of struggle. Conflict. Frustration. Deception.

As long as these first two cards don’t have a harmonious flow between them, that seven energy is going to keep popping off. The Knight is opening up and facilitating that flow.

What’s the message for this community?

While I know that many if not most of you would love to just bathe in that Empress energy, don’t forget the essential task of creating a stable foundation in the mundane world. Recognize that both of these energies are not only essential, but that a lack of continuous emotional flow between them is also essential. Otherwise, we’ll end up stuck. And the shadow expressions of both of these energies will start unconsciously projecting everywhere we look, amplifying the struggle of the seven.

That’s it for this week. Stay resonant folks.

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The landscape has changed.

Because I have changed.

Where to begin?

Introducing oneself can take many different forms. Browse the web and you’ll find a veritable smorgasbord of About Me pages providing a glimpse of the site’s human progenitor. Scroll social media, and you’ll find an endless supply of introductory posts tuned to please the almighty algorithm. Incantations offered to digital deity hoping it might deign to display them on a multitude of feeds.

Lists of likes and dislikes.

Philosophical pontifications about this or that.

Portrayals of people producing products, praying you’ll click BUY NOW.

Today I’ll offer you a little of this, a little of that, and a little special sauce all my own.

I’ve always struggled with introducing myself. I recall a writing assignment from my Honors 102 class at the University of Mississippi: write an essay entitled Who Am I? I didn’t have a fucking clue how to answer that question, especially as a 19-year old human more concerned with getting away with underaged drinking than in probing the depths their own identity. And so I took the easy way out. I let everyone else define me.

Paragraph after paragraph of, “to this person I am X.”

Rinse/repeat.

I have no memory of the grade I received.

Only the comment left by my professor: A Humian Appoach.

He was, of course, referring to David Hume (1711-1776): empiricist, skeptic, and naturalist of the Enlightenment era. Hume denied the idea that humans even possess a “self.” We’re quite literally just a bundle of sensory information connected by ideas, and so the only way to know anything is through direct experience.

To Hume, I can’t experience myself. Only others can experience me. And so the only way to define ME is through the eyes of the other.

What. Utter. Bullshit.

Like I said: I have changed.

So who am I?

Let’s dispense with the philosophy and find a cozy corner for casual conversation. We can plunge into the depths of Matt Stine without channeling the ideas of dead white dudes in wigs. But as a Mercury in Sagittarius, I reserve the right to take you the long way around.

Speaking of astrology, let’s begin with my Big Three:

• Sagittarius Sun

• Virgo Moon

• Virgo Rising

Why start there? Because astrology is the most powerful tool I currently possess to cut through the surface-level bullshit and dive into a person’s core essence. If astrology isn’t your bag, you probably ought to click Unsubscribe now. If you speak astrology, I bet you kinda feel like you know me. If you’re looking to learn, hang around, and I’ll be happy to help you with that.

So what is this place?

I’ve (re)created Falken’s Labyrinth to be a secure container where you feel safe enough and supported enough to explore your deepest fears, wounds, and vulnerabilities. I firmly believe that safety is the essential foundation for freedom, love, and justice to survive and thrive.

Within this container my aim is to offer writing, podcasting, group and private coaching, classes, and special events that will inspire your intellectual, emotional, and spiritual expansion. My ultimate goal is to support you in achieving personal fulfillment and making purposeful contributions to the cosmos.

Who is safe here?

Anyone who affirms the following:

I am an LGBTQIA2S+-affirming and multi-faith-affirming human. I am committed to social and environmental justice, including civil rights and dismantling systems of oppression like the Patriarchy, White Supremacy, and Christian Nationalism. I believe Black Lives Matter. I believe Trans and Non-Binary People exist and always have.

But why is it called Falken’s Labyrinth?

I’m a child of the Xennial generation, currently experiencing my 47th trip around the Sun. I played the early versions of The Oregon Trail on Apple ][e computers in elementary school. I used a touch-tone phone and a modem that could transmit only 120 characters per second to dial into other people’s computers. I logged on to the Internet years before most humans knew what the fuck it was. Xennials were around for the birth of dozens of life-redefining technologies, and we’re intimately familiar with what it was like before and after.

Falken’s Labyrinth itself, along with my social media handle, @falkensmage, are both products of my Xennial youth.

They are inspired by my favorite childhood movie, Wargames (1983). Its main character, David Lightman, is an underachieving high school student and hacker who both accidentally almost starts World War III and also triumphantly saves the planet from nuclear destruction. How? By teaching 1983’s idea of artificial intelligence the futility of nuclear war, leading to the computer’s famous last words, “Strange game. The Only Winning Move is Not to Play. How about a nice game of chess?”

Throughout the movie, David is guided by a reluctant mentor, Stephen Falken, the AI’s creator. While Falken initially focused on teaching the computer how to learn to play games, such as his eponymous “Falken’s Maze,” the U.S. Department of Defense ultimately co-opted his creation to simulate strategic approaches to warfare.

Like many popular films, Wargames follows the structure of Joseph Campbell’s monomyth, more popularly known as the Hero’s Journey. As a student of myth and the archetypes of Carl Jung’s collective unconscious, I’m a pretty big fan of the Hero’s Journey (as well as Maureen Murdock’s brilliant feminine equivalent, The Heroine’s Journey), as it is also an effective model for understanding the transformative process that Jung called individuation.

My goal for Falken’s Labyrinth is to personally guide you on your personal hero(ine)’s journey to the center of your interior labyrinth.

Your journey into the labyrinth is a journey into your unconscious mind, a place where you’ll confront your inner Minotaur—the hidden fears, wounds, and untapped potential within your Shadow self.

Your journey into the labyrinth mirrors the process of spiritual transformation. It is not a straight line but a winding path filled with challenges, false starts, and revelations. My role is to provide you with an “Ariadnean thread”—a safe, structured path through this complex terrain.

Your journey into the labyrinth celebrates curiosity and childlike wonder. Just as personal computers unlocked new worlds for children of my Xennial generation, I’m inviting you to explore your inner world with both seriousness and playfulness.

And when we reach the center together, you will find and connect with your own true center, the Self.

What’s Next?

I have so much more I want to share with you, but this introduction has carried on long enough.

In the coming days I’ll tell you more about what’s been happening with me, what kind of content you can expect in your inbox (and on the podcast!), and all about my epic plans for Falken’s Labyrinth, including a newly-designed membership offering.

Stay tuned!

And stay resonant folks.

(Some things never change…)

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And, as I sat here feeling generally “bleh,” I started combing through my “Snooze” folder in my email.

I read the following post:

The Dopamine Dispatch

When ADHD burnout steals your energy, then convinces you it’s your fault

Welcome to The Dopamine Dispatch where every-ish week (if executive function permits…) I share ADHD tips, solutions, experiences, and strategies. If you’re looking for more ADHD support, join the wai…

Read more

a year ago · 108 likes · 10 comments · Kelly

Kelly has an uncanny knack for capturing the way my ADHD manifests perfectly. I mean 👩🏻‍🍳💋. As I worked my way through this piece on ADHD burnout, I found myself looking in a mirror. And what I saw startled me quite a bit.

I’ve found myself sitting here telling myself that I need to snap out of it and get back to work on my creative projects and on my business. I need to do more. That I’m never going to get to where I want to be if I don’t hustle.

I learned very quickly reading Kelly’s piece that I’m in the throes of ADHD burnout, and that attitude and those behaviors are the exact opposite of what I need right now.

I need to rest.

So, I’m going to do the hard things.

What that means for Contemplating Resonance is an indefinite pause. There will be no new newsletters or podcast episodes for the foreseeable future.

It could last a week.

It could last a month.

It could last longer.

Visibility is really low for me right now. If I could issue a “dense fog advisory” for my ability to intuit the future, now would be the time.

To all of my subscribers: thank you for being here, from number one to number 100 and beyond. I send my love, and I can’t wait to spend time with you again.

Until then, if you need to rest, rest. Give yourself the gift of listening to your mind, body, and soul.

Without going into unnecessary detail (that would take entirely too much context to understand!), muggle life is especially challenging at the moment, so there won’t be a podcast episode this week.

I will strive to be back with your regularly scheduled episode, a brilliant conversation with Jungian Master Coach Rachel K, next week!

Cheers,

Matt

Right now, I'm swimming in a damn ocean of way too much.

For me, 2025 is shaping up to be a definite "five" year. And it's got that distinct Five of Wands energy hanging around it. Funnily enough, my Tarot Tracker for the year has the King of Wands holding court in the top spot, while the Queen of Wands is in a five-way tie for fifth (alongside Wands Four, Six, and Eight). Go figure.

A friend of mine hilariously dubs the Five of Wands "the stupid tent card."

Why "stupid"?

Because the visual looks exactly like five people completely failing to put up a tent.

Each one is operating from their own supposedly brilliant perspective, convinced their way is the only right way.

The supposed shared goal? Get the fucking tent up.

Maybe they're exhausted, maybe there's a storm barreling down. Whatever the reason, the tent needs to be UP.

And they're epically failing. Because they absolutely cannot sync up. Can't even take a breath long enough to see what the hell is going wrong.

It's screaming "Ready. FIRE! Aim" at the top of its lungs.

And yeah, that's feeling a little too close to home right now.

It's like my idea freeway is completely jammed. Every single idea is fighting for a lane, and as a result, nothing is really moving forward.

Part of me is itching to dive deep into my executive coaching biz. That feels like the most direct route to some serious, life-changing income.

Another part is obsessed with the idea of building an app to help people track the patterns in their tarot practice more easily.

Then there's the part of me that just wants to disappear down esoteric rabbit holes all day -- sometimes into literature, sometimes into the murky depths of my own unconscious mind.

Yet another part is convinced I need to buckle down and make my "muggle job" career something I can actually stomach long-term.

And, of course, the siren call of starting the next hit sci-fi/fantasy series that all my friends will become completely obsessed with is strong.

And honestly, these are just five of the myriad of contenders in the chaotic circus of my mind right now.

Inside my weary AuDHD1 head is this constant roar of voices, all clamoring to do really cool, amazing, and helpful things. And my executive dysfunction has slammed the brakes on all of it, like rush hour traffic grinding to a halt because of some idiot rubbernecking at an accident.

Where the hell did focus go?

Focus is dead. Focus remains dead. And we have killed him. How will we ever comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers?

Always wanted to shoehorn some Nietzsche in there2. Guess today's the day.

See? The only reason any of this feels like a problem is because I'm letting myself buy into the illusion of limitations. If everything is truly mind, if we're creating our reality, if time is just a construct, then that construct only holds me back if I choose to give it that power.

Scarcity whispers that I have to use my time "wisely."

Scarcity implies that I need to earn my freedom and my right to take up space in this world.

Scarcity screams that focus is the golden ticket to anything worthwhile.

I don't want to focus.

I want to play.

I loved playing as a kid. Using my imagination. Being creative without judgement. Just letting come what may come.

Things I don't remember:

• thinking that I was running out of time

• thinking that making the wrong choice now might ruin the future

• thinking that I was missing out on something by focusing on something else

While my memories are quite the opposite of crystal clear, the emotion attached to them is so easy to capture in a single word:

Joy.

Let's get back there...

In other news…

There are now ONE HUNDRED lovely humans subscribing to this publication, and we recently surpassed FIVE HUNDRED unique downloads of podcast episodes.

Thank you so much for spending time with me here at Contemplating Resonance. It’s truly and honor and a privilege to share my ideas with you and to amplify the voices of other amazing humans from this platform.

Cheers!

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In this episode, I sit down with the electric and enchanting Ember Fae—fairy witch, burlesque performer, and exotic animal veterinarian—to explore the sacred intersection of dance, magic, and personal power. From the very beginning, we dive into the rituals that shape Ember’s world: lighting candles, drawing cards, and tuning into the energy of vengeance (yes, vengeance!) as a sacred response to systems of control. We talk about what it means to move beyond the binaries we’re handed—science or spirit, healer or performer, sexy or sacred—and instead choose integration.

Ember shares how burlesque became a surprising and powerful spiritual practice, transforming from a hobby sparked by burnout into a full-blown reclamation of self. With deep reverence for the art form’s rich and rebellious history, they walk us through what burlesque really is (hint: not just stripping), how it’s used for storytelling, activism, and ecstatic embodiment—and how it connects to witchcraft, ritual, and goddess work. We also hear the beautiful origin story of Ember’s burlesque journey, guided by intuition, community, and an accidental encounter with a flyer in a corset factory.

This conversation is alive with the energy of movement as ritual, with Inanna as our guide through descent, stripping down, and sacred rage. We talk about dancing with your spirit guides, casting circles before rehearsal, and even channeling egregores in the middle of a performance. If you’ve ever felt too much, not enough, or unsure how to bring all of your magic into one space, Ember’s story is a spell of permission. Move your body. Cast your spell. Be your whole self.

Takeaways

• Burlesque can be a deeply spiritual practice rooted in ritual, reclamation, and embodied magic.

• Sacred rage and vengeance can be powerful catalysts for healing and transformation.

• You don’t have to choose between science and spirit—true wholeness comes from integration.

• Performing can be a form of spellwork, especially when guided by intuition and ancestral energy.

• Stripping away layers—literal or metaphorical—can be an act of liberation and devotion.

Quoteables

• Burlesque is how I do my magic—every sequin is a spell, every shimmy a prayer. – Ember Fae

• Vengeance isn’t always violence—it’s claiming your power in a world that told you to stay small. – Ember Fae

• I don’t separate science from spirit—both are ways I listen to the world. – Ember Fae

• The stage became my altar, and my body became my offering. – Ember Fae

• Stripping is sacred when it’s on your terms—when you choose what gets taken off and what gets revealed. – Ember Fae

Notes

1. Dark Goddess Oracle Deck

Referenced during the card pull at the beginning.

🔗 https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738758862

2. Wendy Mata’s “Forest Om” (Earth Playlist)

Matt mentions dancing to a song from this playlist during his morning ritual.

3. Gypsy Rose Lee / Gypsy (the musical/movie)

Referenced during the history of burlesque section.

🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypsy_(1962_film)

4. Twin Temple – “Let’s Have a Satanic Orgy”

Ember’s burlesque act is choreographed to this song.

🔗 https://www.twintemple.com

5. Astrea Taylor – Inspiring Creativity Through Magick

Book that helped Ember integrate spirituality into her art.

🔗 https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738770154

6. Egregores (concept)

Discussed in relation to performance magick and creative spirits.

🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egregore

7. The Magic Kitchen Podcast (Leandra Witchwood & Elyse Welles)

Both hosts are mentioned as influences and mentors.

🔗 https://www.themagickkitchen.com/podcast/

8. Seeking Numina – Elyse Welles

Ember references Elyse as a mentor through this platform.

🔗 https://www.seekingnumina.com

9. Instagram – Ember Fae (Guest)

Referenced for listeners to DM if interested in burlesque.

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/_emberfae_

Chapters

• 00:00 – Welcome + Introducing Ember Fae

Matt opens the episode with a warm welcome and introduces Ember Fae, a fairy witch, burlesque performer, and exotic animal vet.

• 00:51 – Card Pull: Revenge from the Dark Goddess Oracle

The pair pull a powerful oracle card to set the energy of the conversation, diving into symbolism and synchronicity.

• 04:23 – Discussion of Witchcraft in Cultural Contexts

Ember shares insights from a friend in India, comparing how witchcraft is perceived and practiced across cultures.

• 06:48 – Integration vs. Binary Thinking

Matt reflects on the theme of integration versus dichotomy, tying it to his personal journey away from evangelicalism.

• 08:14 – Who is Ember Fae?

Ember shares how her identity has evolved beyond being “just a vet” to include dancer, witch, and healer.

• 12:17 – What is Burlesque?

Ember introduces the art of burlesque and its empowering blend of performance, tease, and personal storytelling.

• 14:39 – The History of Burlesque

A spirited history lesson traces burlesque from its theatrical roots through its evolution in American culture.

• 24:02 – Common Misconceptions About Burlesque

Ember distinguishes burlesque from stripping, emphasizing the art, message, and intentionality of the form.

• 30:26 – How Ember Got Into Burlesque

A moment of intuition leads Ember from burnout and a Google search for kickboxing into the world of burlesque.

• 34:53 – Burlesque as Empowerment and Healing

The conversation explores dance as a grounding, ancestral, and transmutational form of self-expression.

• 41:23 – Parallels Between Burlesque and Ritual

Ember draws deep connections between preparing for a performance and crafting a spiritual ritual.

• 43:10 – Egregores and Performance Magic

She describes how egregores—spiritual thoughtforms—become collaborators in her creative process.

• 51:00 – Working with Goddess Energy: Inanna

Ember shares how she channels goddess archetypes, especially Inanna, into her burlesque acts.

• 58:30 – Ember’s Inanna-Inspired Act

Ember details her new piece inspired by Inanna’s descent myth, featuring roses, fire, and Nickelback.

• 1:00:29 – Advice for Those Curious About Burlesque

She encourages newcomers to try a class, support local shows, and find empowerment through dance.

• 1:02:36 – Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Matt wraps up the episode with gratitude, reflections on resonance, and a call for listener engagement.

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Trigger Warning: This episode contains topics including suicide, drug overdose, and death. Take care of yourself, and skip this one if these topics aren’t right for you.

Summary

In this heartfelt and deeply resonant conversation, I sit down with Cat Dean (they/them)—an eclectic southern witch, tarot reader, and musician—to explore the experience of living in between. From our shared journeys through religious deconstruction, queerness, neurodivergence, and gender fluidity, we weave together a tapestry of moments that challenge binaries and celebrate authenticity. With vulnerability and humor, we talk about how spiritual practice, tarot, and self-inquiry have become anchors through seasons of upheaval and transformation.

Cat opens up about growing up in a high-control religious environment in the South, grappling with identity while performing in church choirs, and eventually coming out as queer and non-binary. They reflect on leaving behind church work while still holding onto grounding rituals, and how reentering Episcopal music spaces offered unexpected healing. I share my own story of spiritual unlearning, navigating life with both autism and ADHD, and the long, messy path from evangelicalism to rediscovering my spiritual self through tarot.

Together, we unpack the nuance of gender expression, spiritual practice burnout, and how tarot has evolved for each of us—from a survival tool to a source of soulful connection. Cat offers wisdom on resting, playing, and reconnecting with our tools when burnout hits, and we both speak to the importance of trusting ourselves over rigid systems. If you’re in the midst of unlearning or learning to embrace your in-betweenness, this episode is a sanctuary of understanding, liberation, and resonance.

Takeaways

• Living in between binaries—whether gender, belief, or identity—can be a source of power, not confusion.

• Leaving high-control religion doesn’t mean abandoning spirituality; it means redefining it on your own terms.

• Spiritual practice burnout is real, and rest, play, and presence are powerful antidotes.

• Neurodivergent wiring often brings deep sensitivity and insight that can enrich spiritual paths.

• Tarot can evolve from a tool for survival to one of soulful connection and self-trust.

Quoteables

• I don’t need to be either/or—I can be both, neither, and something entirely my own. – Cat Dean

• Leaving church didn’t mean leaving the divine—it meant finding it in places I wasn’t taught to look. – Matt Stine

• Tarot stopped being a lifeline and started becoming a love language. – Cat Dean

• Neurodivergence isn’t a barrier to spiritual practice—it’s often the reason I see the world the way I do. – Matt Stine

• Rest is a spell. Play is a ritual. Presence is sacred. – Cat Dean

Notes

• Cat Dean’s Linktree
  https://linktr.ee/Catwithdacards

• Cat Dean’s Substacks

  Scorpio Rising

  Shedding skin one crisis and tarot card at a time. ♏️ 💫 🔮 👁️ My free newsletter is @catwithdacards. If you want my inner thoughts, you're paying for it. You're here for my creative writing, speaking and art. An online study with a candle always lit.

  By Cat Dean
  Speculum Occultum

  The Hidden Mirror 🪞 Writings on tarot, eclectic musings, hyperfixations and community resources. Always free. 💫

  By Cat Dean

• The Southern Gothic Oracle by Stacey Williams-Ng

  🔗 https://lapantherestudio.com/products/the-southern-gothic-oracle

• Roses, Dust & Ashes Oracle by Stacey Williams-Ng
  🔗 https://lapantherestudio.com/products/the-roses-dust-ashes-oracle

• Elmwood Cemetery, Memphis, TN (referenced in connection to the Roses, Dust & Ashes Oracle)

  🔗 https://www.elmwoodcemetery.org/

• Post referencing Matt’s sister:

Chapters

• 00:00 - Building Community Through Threads

  Matt and Cat reflect on how they first connected via social media and the vibe of Threads as a digital space for community.

• 06:23 - A Mercury in Sagittarius Podcast

  The conversation spins out into digressions, embracing chaos as part of the show’s identity and tone.

• 15:20 - Deconstruction in Real Time

  Cat shares their evolving journey of deconstructing spirituality while still living in the South.

• 22:49 - Self-Trust, Self-Authority, and Tarot Burnout

  They talk about the complexity of trusting oneself, spiritual authority, and how tarot can both support and overwhelm.

• 31:02 - The Wisdom of the Body

  Matt and Cat reflect on embodiment, grief, and the slow, intuitive process of coming home to oneself.

• 38:15 - The Rewilding Begins

  Themes of reclaiming the sacred, delighting in sensation, and unlearning colonial productivity are explored.

• 45:33 - Cycles, Seasons, and Letting Go

  The two discuss honoring energetic shifts, burnout, and permission to pause.

• 54:25 - Divination as Devotion

  Cat shares their thoughts on tarot, guides, and intuitive practices as a sacred conversation rather than a grind.

• 58:07 - Listening Without Tools

  Matt speaks to the importance of stillness, and the deep knowing that can emerge when we simply sit and listen.

• 1:03:25 - Holding Space with Integrity

  They both reflect on how to responsibly serve others when offering readings, coaching, or support.

• 1:10:30 - Protective Tools and Spiritual Hygiene

  Matt and Cat close out with their favorite energetic tools, from obsidian to evil eye bracelets, before Matt lands the plane.

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Whaaaaat?

It wasn’t quite a year ago that I did this:

It seems like Aries season always brings with it a time of self-initiation.

These themes keep coming up in my readings and in my conversations with others:

• it’s a time of deep transformation at the individual and collective level

• things that need to be “destroyed” are being torn down to make way for the things that need to be “created”

• the false dichotomies, the false binaries, the artificially separated polarities - they are collapsing into unities creating oneness

• we need rituals of initiation to guide us into and through these times

• we don’t have the same access to rituals of initiation as did our ancestors, for whom they were not optional - they were a way of life

• it often falls upon us to create our own rituals of initiation

What’s amazing is how different these rituals can look from year to year. As I look back upon that first Ostara, I’m struck by how much I was still operating from my Ego. I was so concerned that I do things properly, even when I made them my own. Everything had to be perfectly organized. And there’s nothing wrong with those things, in fact they’re quite useful in balance.

But this year’s initiation was unplanned, uncurated, unexpected, and chaotic as all fuck.

And I’ve had to learn to embrace it all.

It’s been deeply uncomfortable and invigorating at the same time - like a metaphorical “cold plunge.”

And here’s an example - me scanning and cleansing another human’s energetic meridians:

Santa Monica, which we talked about last week, was the beginning of these self-initiation rites. A week later, I hopped on a plane to Reagan National Airport, and met up with two of my fourteen-ish (math is hard) new best friends.

I don’t think most of us had any clue what we were about to experience.

We were immersed in nature, living together in 19th-century farmhouses, connecting with the spirits of the land, our ancestors, and other ethereal beings.

We learned techniques drawn from ancient shamanic practices, curanderismo, and modern chakra healing.

We witnessed genuine energetic transformation manifest in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual ways in each other as we practiced these new skills.

And we created powerful energetic bonds of friendship that are still going strong weeks later!

Fast-forwarding to this week, I’m writing a day after performing a distance energy healing session for one of my fellow graduates.

I thought that the experience might be totally different, and it was. But I also felt just as deeply connected to the techniques and the energy as when I was working with this same person at the retreat.

It’s as if I was not only meant to do this work, but also it’s not the first time my Soul has done this work before.

I’d love to meet that version of myself.

Maybe I already am.

Maybe they are part of what I’m integrating even now.

I posted my booking site for my Energetic Recalibration Sessions late last night, and I woke up to multiple appointments from members of the groups I posted it to. I don’t think I’ve ever had this large of a response to any offer I’ve made.

(Full Disclosure: the groups I posted to also got a coupon for a free session in order to prime the pump. I need to complete 21 sessions to earn my full Energy Alchemist certification. But still - I’ve made free offers before that weren’t met with this much enthusiasm!)

If you’re interested in booking a session with me, here’s the link: https://app.paperbell.com/checkout/packages/129522.

Thanks for continuing on this journey with me. Stay resonant folks.

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In this high-energy episode of Contemplating Resonance, I welcome the inimitable Mandi Em—a multi-published author, chaos witch, and your psycho-spiritual bestie—for a conversation that’s as feral and liberating as it is heartfelt and wise. We kick things off with a witchy card pull that sets the tone for a deeply resonant exploration of Mandi’s Feral Self-Care philosophy, which rejects perfection, honors play, and reminds us that fun is a radical form of resistance. Together, we reflect on healing through humor, grounding into presence, and the power of letting your weirdness run wild.

Mandi shares insights from her latest work, the Feral Self-Care Collective, which centers on reconnecting with your body, creativity, and truth—free from capitalist hustle and spiritual dogma. The conversation touches on deprogramming inherited beliefs, embracing your emotional messiness, and crafting rituals that are playful and deeply personal. Mandi also reveals the upcoming release of her Witchcraft Therapy oracle deck, designed to offer mental health magic through accessible, intuitive practices for healing and empowerment.

As we riff on everything from doomscrolling to Taco Bell to burning down the myth of hustle culture, we remind listeners that it’s okay to just be. The episode closes with a potent call to slow down, reconnect with what’s real, and take up space in a world that benefits when we play small. If you’ve ever felt like too much or not enough, this one’s for you—because reclaiming your magic begins exactly where you are.

Takeaways

• Feral self-care is about rejecting perfection and embracing rituals that honor your body, creativity, and messiness.

• Humor can be a powerful tool for healing trauma and disarming internalized shame.

• You don’t have to earn rest, softness, or joy—your existence is reason enough.

• Spiritual practice doesn’t have to be serious to be sacred—play is a form of magic.

• Reclaiming your magic starts by letting go of the belief that you have to fix yourself first.

Quoteables

• You don’t need to fix yourself to be worthy of magic—you already are. – Mandi Em

• Feral self-care is about making space for your weird, wild, emotional self—and loving them anyway. – Mandi Em

• Burnout is not a personal failure—it’s a symptom of a system that doesn’t want you to rest. – Matt Stine

• Ritual doesn’t have to be serious to be sacred—sometimes the magic is in the mess. – Mandi Em

• Fun is a spell. Play is a protest. Joy is resistance. – Mandi Em

Notes

• Witches’ Familiars Oracle Cards by Barbara Meiklejohn-Free & Flavia Kate Peters

  A beautifully illustrated oracle deck that draws on the magick of animal spirit guides in witchcraft.

  🔗 https://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738767277

• Feral Self-Care Project (Free Facebook Group)

  This is Mandi’s free Facebook group, designed to explore themes of wild, untamed living and self-liberation.

  🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/feralselfcare

• Feral Self-Care Collective (Membership Program)

  A paid membership offering seasonal support, group rituals, guest teachers, and more.

  🔗 https://www.healingforhotmesses.com/feralselfcare

• Matrix to Magic (Free Class on YouTube)

  A free class Mandi created about escaping mainstream programming and stepping into your power.

• Witchcraft Therapy Oracle Deck (Coming May 2025 - Available for Preorder!)

  Mandi’s upcoming deck with intuitive prompts and rituals for healing.

  Published by Chronicle Prism.

  🔗 https://www.chroniclebooks.com/collections/chronicle-prism/products/witchcraft-therapy-oracle-deck

  (Deck listing may go live closer to release.)

• Books by Mandi Em

  • Witchcraft Therapy

  • Happy Witch

  • Feral Self-Care

  • Shadow Work for Hot Messes

  🔗 https://www.healingforhotmesses.com/

Chapters

• 00:00 - Welcome to Season 3
  Matt introduces the third season of Contemplating Resonance, launching on the Equinox and exploring diverse mystical journeys.

• 01:52 - Meet Mandi Em
  Mandi joins the show and shares her chaotic, hilarious, and healing approach to self-care and magick.

• 08:23 - The Trap of Perfectionism
  Mandi reflects on how chasing perfection leads to burnout and how healing starts with self-acceptance.

• Building Presence Like a Muscle
  A conversation about mindfulness, emotional imprinting, and flexing the muscle of present-moment awareness.

• 20:28 - The Origin of Feral Self-Care
  Mandi explains why she finds traditional self-care boring and how the Feral Self-Care Project was born.

• 24:32 - Messy Creativity and Rewilding

  A deeper dive into the philosophy of feral self-care, embracing chaos, and tuning into your sensory body.

• 30:05 - Matrix to Magic and Boundaries

  Mandi discusses her free YouTube class and how boundaries are a radical act of self-preservation.

• 34:20 - Holding Contradictions

  The two explore how embracing contradiction and nuance helps us stay grounded in a chaotic world.

• 39:15 - Start with Yourself

  Mandi shares her personal mantra for healing: start with the thing closest to you—yourself.

• 42:38 - Money, Peace, and the Hungry Ghost

  A candid exchange about how wealth doesn’t bring happiness, but peace—and how the hunger for more never ends.

• 46:26 - Healing Starts Inside

  Mandi emphasizes the power of grounding and self-trust over doomscrolling and performative suffering.

• 51:07 - Small Acts, Big Change

  They close with a call to intentional living and trusting the ripple effect of your own healing.

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Integration summarizes my life over the past month. And I can’t say that I really understood what it meant to experience integration until now. I’m not going to bother defining it, as I doubt any available definition would capture the numinous quality of the past few weeks as multiple polarities have collapsed into unities within my energetic core.

• My technology leader persona vs. my spiritual guide persona.

• My Virgo North Node vs. my Pisces South Node1.

• My identities as a Jungian Life Coach, Tarot Reader, Astrologer, and Energy Alchemist.

• Existing as a full-time employee of a large company and as an entrepreneur with multiple online businesses.

And those are only a few of the distinct boxes into which I’ve sorted myself recently. Boxes which have now collapsed into a spiritual singularity of total potential.

I used to believe the task of integration was MY job, with the capital “M-Y” there referring to the Ego. I would spend my days taking one hat off and putting another hat on only to reverse their positions moments later. I was a traffic cop. I was an energetic and emotional weather forecaster. I was the conductor of a chaotic concerto of dozens of personas all vying for real estate in the landscape of my consciousness.

Nope. That wasn’t it.

And I felt it. It was exhausting. And I continually found myself wishing that I could simply pick just ONE OF THEM. That I could focus. That I could go deep.

And sometimes I tried, pushing all of the other Personas deep into my Shadow. Believing that I’d made my choice when in fact all I’d done is set up a future showdown with the rest of myself.

And then, one morning alone in a hotel room in Santa Monica, California, while doing my daily meditation and ritual practices, I felt (yes, felt) a very clear, quiet, and gentle YES.

I’m reminded of the still, small voice of God as described in 1 Kings 19:12.

But while the voice was both still and small, the effect was profound.

Shortly after returning home from California, I picked up a book on Chaos Magick2 that arrived while I was away. I read these words:

Immediately after finishing that sentence, I had a powerful vision drop into my conscious mind, and I channeled these words into my notebook:

I see a future where not only am I a successful technology executive coach, but I am famous for it. Some of the most known technology executives are my clients. The technology industry has revitalized its approach largely due to the sphere of my influence. I have a TED talk with tens of thousands of views. I live comfortably in multiple locations. I have a philanthropic foundation. I have deep rewarding relationships with my kids.

This experience was accompanied by a powerful sensation in the area of my solar plexus and sacral chakras. Like a fire igniting within me. And it’s still there.

Two days later, as I was making tea, I both saw and felt an intense vision. It is ineffable - but I will try.

There were different pictures of me flashing by, almost surrounding a central column of light. The various personas I wear and have worn throughout my lifetime. And then I saw and felt them merge. As they converged into the column of light, it grew brighter and larger and added a light purple aura.

I do not have to choose from these personas, nor do I need an Ego-driven identity project to bring them together. I can simply exist as total awareness, pure potential, witness mind. Because they are all of me, and I am all of them. Simultaneously.

This is integration.

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Summary

In this episode, I sit down with Jess Karels, also known as The Mystic Geek, for a wide-ranging conversation about their journey from Jehovah’s Witness to eclectic witch. Jess shares the history of Paganistan, a nickname for the vibrant and diverse pagan community in the Twin Cities, and how their own path wove through evangelical Christianity, Catholic mysticism, and ultimately into witchcraft. We discuss the power of reclaiming spiritual autonomy and how navigating multiple traditions helped Jess find what truly resonates.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into egregores—the collective psychic entities that emerge from shared belief and group identity. Jess explains how these unseen forces shape everything from religions to nations to fandoms, influencing behavior and maintaining control in ways most people never recognize. We also examine the intersection of spirituality and skepticism, exploring how belief and critical thinking can coexist in the practice of magic and manifestation.

As we wrap up, Jess and I reflect on the ever-evolving nature of spiritual practice and the importance of self-awareness in shaping personal and collective realities. From exploring magic with a structured, academic lens to recognizing the hidden currents of power in society, this episode is a deep and thought-provoking ride. If you’ve ever questioned the forces behind religious systems, cultural movements, or even celebrity worship, this conversation will give you plenty to ponder.

Takeaways

• Spirituality and skepticism are not mutually exclusive—critical thinking can deepen magical practice.

• Egregores are powerful collective entities shaped by shared belief, influencing everything from religion to pop culture.

• Reclaiming spiritual autonomy often means unlearning the control mechanisms of high-demand systems.

• Personal spiritual paths can evolve through many traditions, from evangelical Christianity to witchcraft.

• Self-awareness is key to navigating both magical and mundane systems of influence and power.

Quoteables

• Egregores don’t care if you believe in them—they thrive on your attention.
  – Jess Karels

• You can be a skeptic and still practice magic—belief doesn’t have to be blind. – Jess Karels

• Leaving high-control religion isn’t just walking away from doctrine—it’s reclaiming your ability to think for yourself. – Matt Stine

• Paganistan gave me the space to be weird, spiritual, and queer—without needing to explain any of it. – Jess Karels

• Systems of power survive by making you think you chose them. – Jess Karels

Notes

• Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny by Mark Stavish

  📖 Amazon Link

• True Magick by Amber K

  📖 Amazon Link

• Elemental Witchcraft: A Guide to Living a Magickal Life Through the Elements by Heron Michelle

  📖 Amazon Link

• The Southern Gothic Oracle by Stacey Williams-Ng

  🃏 Official Website

• The Mystic Geek (Jess Karels’ Website & Socials)

  🌐 Website

• Spiritual AF Sundays (Jess Karels’ Podcast)

  🎙️ Podcast Link

• Llewellyn Publishing (Major Publisher of Pagan & Occult Books, Based in Minnesota)

  📖 Website

Chapters

• 00:00 - Welcome to Season 3

Matt introduces Season 3 of Contemplating Resonance, launching on the Equinox, and previews the themes of the new season.

• 02:29 - The Origin of Paganistan

Jess shares the history of Paganistan, the nickname for the Twin Cities’ vibrant pagan community, and its impact on modern witchcraft.

• 10:15 - Contemplative Christianity and Witchcraft

A discussion on how Christian mysticism, contemplative practices, and witchcraft can overlap in unexpected ways.

• 17:09 - Nostalgia, Anxiety, and the Modern World

Matt and Jess explore how nostalgia influences spirituality and how anxiety shapes the way we engage with religious traditions.

• 22:45 - Jess’s Journey: From Jehovah’s Witness to Witchcraft

Jess recounts their personal path from being raised Jehovah’s Witness to exploring evangelical Christianity, Catholic mysticism, and ultimately witchcraft.

• 32:27 - Theology, Evangelicalism, and the Search for Truth

A deep dive into the theological roots of evangelicalism and how they shape belief systems, both inside and outside religious institutions.

• 41:38 - Evolving Beliefs and the Messy Origins of Modern Witchcraft

Jess and Matt discuss the ever-changing nature of witchcraft, its eclectic origins, and the importance of questioning foundational beliefs.

• 47:24 - The Skeptical Approach to Manifestation

Jess explains how magic and manifestation can be practiced with a skeptical, critical-thinking mindset rather than blind belief.

• 57:36 - Understanding Egregores and Collective Thoughtforms

A deep dive into egregores—how shared belief creates powerful collective entities that shape cultures, religions, and even fandoms.

• 1:05:25 - Nations, Identities, and the Power of Shared Belief

The conversation expands into how egregores operate in politics, nationalism, and the formation of cultural identities.

• 1:10:11 - How to Connect with Jess Karels

Jess shares where listeners can find their work, including The Mystic Geek blog and Spiritual AF Sundays podcast.

• 1:18:07 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More

Matt wraps up the episode with final reflections and encourages listeners to embrace curiosity and self-exploration on their spiritual journeys.f self-compassion and supportive communities in the healing process.

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So, in the words of that famous Bill O’Reilly meltdown, FUCK IT, WE’LL DO IT LIVE.

Do what live? I’m literally writing an article that will be published asynchronously while I’m off doing something else. It’s the energy of the statement I’m channeling. The idea that, it doesn’t have to be perfect. We’ll just get it done on vibes. And that’s gonna be OK. I’m not sure if that’s what Bill was feeling in that moment (prolly not lol), but that’s what we’re going to go with.

We’re going to write what’s resonating this week on vibes.

And things were going pretty well until I finished that clever introduction. And then the channel just went blank. Much like O’Reilly’s teleprompter. Hah. It’s amazing what happens when you just roll with the synchronicity flow. Interesting connections that you never thought possible just come out of nowhere.

And that’s kinda what life has been like now for nearly a month. While yes, I must give a nod to the fact that the world is literally inside of a cocktail shaker getting the ride of its life, I’m doing really well.

My lovely Ego says I should feel guilty for that. Don’t tell people you are riding high while everything is burning down. What an asshole thing to say.

But it’s true.

And, as has been a recurring theme of the past several weeks, having fun and being filled with joy are both forms of RESISTANCE. The powers that be do not want us to be happy. They do not want us having fun. They want us scared, ungrounded, feeling vulnerable, energetically unregulated, and cowering in the corner.

So I’ll keep this short, sweet, and to the point. I did what I came here to do, which is to once again dip my quill into my inkwell and alchemize some words to share with y’all.

Your homework?

Do something that makes your heart sing today.

And then, just sit and bask in the glory of that music.

And when you’re ready, take a deep breath, smile, raise both of your middle fingers in the direction of those forces of oppression and speak this simple spell:

And so it is.

Blessed be.

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In this episode of Contemplating Resonance, Matt Stine hosts Christine Greenwald, a psychotherapist, writer, and author of the Substack Recasting Religious Trauma. Together, they explore the profound impact of religious trauma, diving into its overlap with complex trauma and how it shapes self-perception, relationships, and spirituality. Christine shares insights from her therapeutic work, highlighting the role of nervous system responses in trauma and the unique challenges faced by those healing from high-control religious environments.

The conversation delves into themes of identity, intuition, and reclaiming spiritual practices after deconstruction. Christine reflects on her own healing journey, from grappling with the doctrine of hell and purity culture to embracing tools like tarot as a means of self-reflection and personal growth. Along the way, she challenges long-held stigmas surrounding intuitive practices, reframing them as valuable pathways to deeper self-understanding.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating religious trauma and rebuilding spiritual practices on their own terms. Christine and Matt emphasize the importance of playfulness and curiosity in creating a spiritual life that resonates authentically. This episode offers a compassionate guide for those seeking to leave behind guilt, shame, and rigid structures to discover a more expansive and fulfilling connection to self and the divine.

Takeaways

• Religious trauma often overlaps with complex trauma, deeply affecting self-perception, relationships, and spirituality.

• Nervous system responses play a crucial role in understanding and healing from the effects of high-control religious environments.

• Reclaiming spiritual practices, such as tarot, can be a powerful way to reconnect with intuition and self-reflection.

• Breaking free from purity culture and the doctrine of hell requires addressing the lingering guilt and fear they instill.

• Playfulness and curiosity are essential tools for building a spiritual life that feels authentic and expansive.

Quoteables

• Religious trauma doesn’t just affect your beliefs—it rewires how you see yourself, your relationships, and your worth. – Christine Greenwald

• Healing begins when we stop seeing our intuition as dangerous and start embracing it as a guide. – Christine Greenwald

• The nervous system doesn’t lie—it’s often the first place we notice the effects of religious trauma. – Matt Stine

• Reclaiming spiritual practices like tarot isn’t rebellion; it’s reconnecting with parts of ourselves that were silenced. – Christine Greenwald

• Curiosity and playfulness are the antidotes to the rigidity and shame that high-control environments impose. – Christine Greenwald

Notes

• Christine’s Substack: Recasting Religious Trauma

• Religious Trauma Institute

• Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction

Matt welcomes listeners and introduces guest Christine Greenwald, setting the stage for a discussion on religious trauma and healing.

• 01:52 - Understanding Religious Trauma

Christine explains the overlap between religious trauma and complex trauma, emphasizing its deep effects on identity and relationships.

• 06:35 - The Role of the Nervous System in Trauma

The conversation dives into how trauma impacts the nervous system and why this understanding is essential for healing.

• 12:10 - Deconstructing Purity Culture and Hell Doctrine

Christine shares her personal journey of confronting purity culture and the fear-based teachings of eternal damnation.

• 18:45 - Reclaiming Intuition Through Spiritual Practices

Matt and Christine discuss the power of tools like tarot to reconnect with intuition and foster self-awareness.

• 26:20 - Breaking Free from Shame and Guilt

They explore the lingering effects of shame and guilt imposed by high-control environments and how to overcome them.

• 33:05 - The Importance of Curiosity and Play

Christine highlights how playfulness and curiosity can help rebuild a more authentic and expansive spiritual life.

• 40:15 - Conclusion

Matt and Christine reflect on the importance of self-compassion and supportive communities in the healing process.

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In this episode of Contemplating Resonance, Matt Stine sits down with John Sundman—novelist, former high-tech professional, and self-described working-class hero—to explore the intersections of technology, power, and religious ideology. John shares insights from his career in Silicon Valley, his experiences with Catholicism, and how those influences shaped his writing. Together, they discuss how the structures of high-control religious groups mirror the authoritarian tendencies found in the tech world.

The conversation takes a deep dive into John’s essay, I Created Peter Thiel, which examines the fusion of Silicon Valley’s techno-libertarianism with the rise of Christian nationalism.

Sundman figures it out!

I created Peter Thiel, who gave us JD Vance. Sorry about that.

Précis Some interesting writing has been appearing recently on the emergence of ‘technofascism’ among monied men tainted by the Silicon Valley strain of libertarianism. This topic has taken on new urgency as several prominent technobillionaires with roots in Silicon Valley have endorsed the neofascist Donald Trump’s plan to turn the United States into a …

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2 years ago · 66 likes · 21 comments · john sundman

John draws parallels between the utopian visions of tech elites—who seek immortality through transhumanism and genetic manipulation—and the eschatological promises of religious dogma. Matt and John explore how figures like Peter Thiel and J.D. Vance bridge the gap between these two ideologies, forming a modern movement that wields enormous political and economic power.

Listeners will come away with a nuanced perspective on how technology, faith, and authoritarian control are converging in today’s world. John’s novels, infused with Christian mythology and cyberpunk themes, serve as both a critique and a reflection of these cultural forces. This episode challenges the listener to question who holds the power to shape belief systems—whether through religion or technology—and what that means for the future of personal and collective agency.

Takeaways

• High-control religious structures and authoritarian tech ideologies share striking similarities in how they consolidate power and influence belief systems.

• Silicon Valley’s transhumanist movement mirrors religious eschatology, promising immortality and human perfection through technology.

• Peter Thiel and other tech elites leverage Christian nationalism to expand their political and economic influence.

• The fusion of libertarian tech culture and religious fundamentalism creates a potent force shaping modern politics and governance.

• Questioning who controls narratives—whether through religion, technology, or media—is crucial to maintaining personal and collective autonomy.

Quoteables

• Silicon Valley’s tech elites and religious fundamentalists both sell the same dream—transcendence, immortality, and a world remade in their image. – John Sundman

• The question isn’t whether technology is shaping our beliefs—it’s who’s controlling the narrative behind it. – Matt Stine

• Peter Thiel isn’t just funding tech startups; he’s funding a future where power is concentrated in the hands of a chosen few. – John Sundman

• Religious fundamentalism and techno-libertarianism might seem like opposites, but they both thrive on the idea that a select group should rule over everyone else. – John Sundman

• If we don’t critically examine who’s designing our future, we might wake up in a world we never consented to. – Matt Stine

Notes

• John Sundman’s Substack: Sundman figures it out!

• John Sundman’s Website

• John’s Essay: “I created Peter Thiel, who gave us JD Vance. Sorry about that.”

• Books by John Sundman

  • Acts of the Apostles – A cyberpunk thriller with deep theological and technological themes.

  • Cheap Complex Devices – A metafictional novel exploring AI, storytelling, and human consciousness.

  • Biodigital – A rewritten, streamlined version of Acts of the Apostles with more thriller elements.

  • The Pains – A novella exploring religious stigmata, suffering, and belief.

  • Mountain of Devils (Upcoming) – A psychological thriller set in the 1970s.

• The “Q source” for the synoptic gospels

• Human Sexual Response - the band

• Book: Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction

Matt introduces John Sundman, discussing his career in tech, writing, and the intersections of power, religion, and technology.

• 09:10 - From Silicon Valley to Martha’s Vineyard

John reflects on his journey from the high-pressure world of tech to a more grounded life as a writer and laborer.

• 21:34 - “I Created Peter Thiel” and the Rise of Techno-Fascism

A deep dive into John’s essay on how Silicon Valley’s elite, particularly Thiel, blend libertarianism with Christian nationalism.

• 26:04 - Transhumanism, Immortality, and the Religious Mindset

Exploring the striking similarities between tech utopianism and religious eschatology.

• 40:31 - Faith, Power, and the Persistence of Medieval Thinking

John discusses how modern society clings to outdated religious and philosophical frameworks.

• 55:34 - Storytelling, AI, and Christian Mythology in Fiction

How John weaves theological themes into his novels, reflecting on the role of narrative in shaping belief systems.

• 1:12:33 - Java One, Crypto, and the Decline of Tech Culture

A candid discussion about the shifting landscape of the tech industry, from early optimism to the current state of disillusionment.

• 1:14:33 - Closing Thoughts

Matt and John wrap up the conversation, reflecting on the themes of power, belief, and the future of technology.

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In this episode of Contemplating Resonance, Matt Stine sits down with Ariele Lanning, also known as Divine Rebel Rising, to explore the deep work of deconstructing religious trauma and reclaiming personal autonomy. Ariele shares her journey from growing up in a Mormon household to experiencing profound shifts in her spiritual path. Her work as a deconstruction coach and evidential spiritualist centers on helping others heal subconscious belief systems, reconnect with intuition, and integrate somatic awareness into their daily lives.

The conversation dives into the intersection of trauma, religious conditioning, and self-worth. Ariele discusses how the subconscious mind absorbs rigid belief systems, shaping not only identity but also physical and emotional well-being. She shares how practices like yoga, nervous system regulation, and remote viewing helped her shift away from fear-based teachings and into an empowered, spiritually expansive perspective. Together, Matt and Ariele unpack the similarities between high-control religious environments and narcissistic abuse, highlighting the psychological patterns that keep people stuck.

Listeners will come away with insights into the tangible steps of healing—learning to feel into the body, tracking emotional triggers, and retraining the nervous system for safety. Ariele emphasizes that deconstruction doesn’t have to lead to spiritual emptiness; rather, it can be an opening to something more expansive, rooted in intuition and personal truth. Whether you’re navigating religious trauma, seeking to reconnect with your body, or exploring new spiritual frameworks, this episode provides a roadmap for transformation.

Takeaways

• Religious trauma often disconnects people from their intuition and body, making healing a process of reestablishing trust within oneself.

• The subconscious mind absorbs fear-based teachings that can shape identity, self-worth, and nervous system responses long after leaving high-control religions.

• Deconstruction doesn’t have to lead to atheism; it can be a gateway to a more expansive and intuitive spirituality.

• Remote viewing and other intuitive practices can help dismantle fear around the unknown and open up new ways of connecting with energy and information.

• Healing from religious trauma requires both cognitive and somatic work—releasing subconscious patterns while retraining the body to feel safe in new experiences.

Quoteables

• Religious trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it’s stored in the body, shaping how we feel safe or unsafe in the world. – Ariele Lanning

• Leaving high-control religion isn’t just about rejecting a belief system; it’s about reclaiming the ability to trust yourself. – Matt Stine

• The nervous system doesn’t lie—if you’re constantly in survival mode, there’s a deeper layer of healing that needs to happen. – Ariele Lanning

• Deconstruction isn’t the end of spirituality—it’s the beginning of discovering what truly resonates with your soul. – Ariele Lanning

• Healing isn’t about replacing one set of beliefs with another; it’s about learning to sit with the unknown and feel safe in it. – Matt Stine

Notes

• Ariele’s Website

• Ariele’s Instagram

• Book: The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction

Matt introduces Ariele Lanning and sets the stage for a deep dive into religious trauma, deconstruction, and healing.

• 02:15 - Ariele’s Journey from Mormonism to Spiritual Freedom

Ariele shares her personal story of growing up in a Mormon household and the pivotal moments that led to her spiritual awakening.

• 08:42 - Understanding Religious Trauma and the Nervous System

Discussion on how fear-based teachings impact the subconscious mind, nervous system, and overall sense of safety.

• 15:30 - Deconstruction vs. Spiritual Expansion

Ariele challenges the idea that leaving religion must lead to atheism, exploring how intuitive spirituality can emerge from deconstruction.

• 22:05 - Intuition, Remote Viewing, and Energetic Awareness

A look into Ariele’s work with remote viewing, psychic development, and how intuitive practices help people reconnect with their inner wisdom.

• 30:50 - High-Control Religion and Narcissistic Abuse Patterns

Exploring the parallels between religious indoctrination and narcissistic manipulation, and how to break free from these cycles.

• 38:15 - Healing Through Somatic Practices

Ariele explains how yoga, meditation, and nervous system regulation support deep healing from subconscious religious conditioning.

• 45:20 - The Power of Personal Truth and Self-Trust

A conversation on embracing uncertainty, stepping into self-trust, and cultivating a spiritual practice that resonates on an individual level.

• 51:10 - Conclusion and Final Reflections

Matt and Ariele wrap up with reflections on healing, self-integration, and finding freedom beyond religious trauma.

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This weekend marked my second annual retreat at St. Margaret’s Hermitage—a snowy, serene space just outside Bartlett, Tennessee. It’s been a time for reflection, connection, and setting intentions for the year ahead. My days were a mix of rituals, journaling, walks in nature, and exploring practices like Chaos Magick and Active Imagination. Each activity felt like a step toward integrating my spiritual practices with my professional aspirations.

One powerful moment came during an Active Imagination session where I met archetypes like the Anima, Wise Old Man, and Trickster in a conference room within my mind. Together, we visualized the creative projects I want to bring to life this year—podcasts, writing, coaching, and a sense of intersectionality that bridges all aspects of my professional identity. These archetypes reminded me of the importance of leaning into chaos, trusting the process, and embracing bold risks.

I also worked with oracle cards to draw out messages from these archetypes, which reinforced themes of clarity, courage, and trusting my intuition. Through it all, I saw patterns emerging—crossroads, liminal spaces, and the need to let go of what no longer serves me. This retreat wasn’t just about setting goals; it was about grounding myself in the kind of person I’m becoming.

As I wrap up, my intentions for 2025 are clear: to integrate my work and spiritual practices, embrace creativity through Chaos Magick, and create a coaching program that weaves together tarot, astrology, and Jungian techniques. This retreat has been a powerful reminder that growth comes from stepping into the unknown and trusting the journey.

Takeaways

• Reflection and ritual during retreats create a powerful space for integrating spiritual practices and setting clear intentions.

• Active Imagination can help connect with archetypes, offering guidance and clarity on creative and personal goals.

• Embracing chaos as a source of creativity and growth requires letting go of control and trusting the process.

• Oracle card readings can reinforce themes like courage, intuition, and releasing what no longer serves us.

• Aligning professional and spiritual identities allows for a more authentic and fulfilling life path.

Quoteables

• When chaos makes you uncomfortable, lean into it—that’s where the real growth happens. – Matt Stine

• Retreats aren’t just about rest; they’re about recalibrating your soul and setting the tone for what’s next. – Matt Stine

• The archetypes in your mind hold the keys to unlocking your creativity and courage. – Matt Stine

• Letting go of what no longer serves you is not loss—it’s liberation. – Matt Stine

• Integrating all aspects of your identity isn’t just a goal; it’s a way of reclaiming your power. – Matt Stine

Notes

• Azariel Flame’s website

• Book: Elemental Witchcraft by Heron Michelle

• Course: Elemental Witchcraft by Heron Michelle

• Work Your Light Oracle Cards by Rebecca Campbell

• Seasons of the Witch: Imbolc Oracle Deck by Lorraine Anderson

• Tenae Stewart’s Celestial Alchemy Astrology Certification

• Rachel Star’s website

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction

Matt welcomes listeners and introduces the retreat setting at St. Margaret’s Hermitage.

• 02:15 - Reflecting on Last Year’s Intentions

A look back at journaling, lessons learned, and intentions achieved from the previous year.

• 07:42 - Embracing Chaos and Leaning Into Growth

Exploration of Chaos Magick, the fear of chaos, and its role in creativity and transformation.

• 12:08 - Active Imagination and Archetypes

A detailed recount of meeting inner archetypes like Anima, Trickster, and Wise Old Man during an active imagination exercise.

• 19:36 - Oracle Card Insights and Clarity

Using oracle cards to deepen understanding of the messages from archetypes and focusing on clarity and purpose.

• 25:11 - Setting Intentions for 2025

Crafting bold, integrative goals for creativity, professional growth, and spiritual alignment.

• 30:22 - Closing Reflections

Matt reflects on the retreat’s impact and the path forward, encouraging listeners to embrace their own transformational journeys.

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In this thought-provoking episode of Contemplating Resonance, Matt Stine reconnects with returning guest Hana O’Neill, also known as the Suburban Witch, for a deep dive into cult tactics and religious trauma. Together, they unpack the BITE model of authoritarian control and phobia indoctrination, exploring how these tactics shape behavior, thought, and emotions in high-control environments. With a focus on evangelical Christianity, Hana shares insights from her class, “Ridiculous Rapture Rhetoric,” helping others untangle fear-based beliefs.

The conversation weaves through Hana’s personal journey, from growing up in a rapture-focused church to discovering freedom in alternative spiritual paths. They discuss the psychological impact of fear-based doctrines, such as the Rapture, and how these teachings can perpetuate anxiety and perfectionism. Matt and Hana also delve into the parallels between cult tactics and other controlling environments, from MLM schemes to authoritarian religious practices.

Listeners will find this episode both challenging and liberating as Matt and Hana highlight the importance of reclaiming autonomy and uncovering hidden truths. Whether you’re deconstructing your own religious upbringing or seeking to understand the psychological impact of high-control systems, this episode offers tools and perspectives for breaking free and embracing authenticity.

Takeaways

• The BITE model reveals how high-control systems manipulate behavior, information, thoughts, and emotions to maintain power over individuals.

• Fear-based doctrines, like the Rapture, are often rooted in misinformation and perpetuate anxiety and perfectionism among followers.

• Cult tactics can be found not just in religion but also in MLMs, corporate environments, and other high-control systems.

• Reclaiming autonomy involves questioning inherited beliefs, exploring new perspectives, and embracing personal freedom.

• Healing from religious trauma requires understanding the psychological impacts of control and finding supportive, empowering communities.

Quoteables

• The Evangelical Church is one of the most psychically active spaces—it’s just that they call it prayer instead of magic. – Hana O’Neill

• Fear-based doctrines don’t just control your actions; they make you doubt your thoughts, your intuition, and even your identity. – Matt Stine

• The BITE model isn’t just a tool for spotting cults—it’s a way to reclaim your power by understanding how control operates. – Hana O’Neill

• Leaving a high-control environment feels like being a newborn without a mother—you’re free, but you don’t know how to live yet. – Matt Stine

• The Rapture doctrine isn’t ancient theology; it’s a fear-inducing story invented in the 1830s to keep people compliant. – Hana O’Neill

Notes

• BITE Model of Authoritarian Control by Steven Hassan

• Hana’s Website: Suburban Witchery

• Hana’s YouTube Channel

• Hana’s Ridiculous Rapture Rhetoric Class

• Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed (Documentary on Max)

• John Nelson Darby

• Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS)

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction

Matt welcomes listeners and introduces returning guest Hana O’Neill, focusing on cult tactics and religious trauma.

• 02:09 - What is the BITE Model?

Hana explains the BITE model of authoritarian control and its application to religion, MLMs, and other high-control systems.

• 07:47 - The Psychology of Cult Tactics

Discussion on how emotional vulnerabilities and the desire for connection make people susceptible to cult tactics.

• 13:14 - Evangelicalism as Psychic Practice

Hana draws parallels between evangelical practices and spiritual techniques like energy healing and clairaudience.

• 19:21 - Information Control in High-Control Systems

Matt and Hana explore how selective information and censorship perpetuate control in religious settings.

• 30:07 - Fear-Based Doctrines and Perfectionism

They discuss the Rapture doctrine, phobia indoctrination, and how fear fosters anxiety and black-and-white thinking.

• 43:09 - Emotional Control and Identity Guilt

Insights into how emotional manipulation and guilt are used to suppress individuality and enforce conformity.

• 50:10 - Ridiculous Rapture Rhetoric

Hana introduces her class, explaining the origins of the Rapture doctrine and the misinformation surrounding it.

• 59:10 - Deconstructing the Book of Revelation

A step-by-step analysis of Revelation, its historical context, and its role in fear-based religious teachings.

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In this eye-opening episode of Contemplating Resonance, Matt Stine welcomes Lyn Smith Gregory, great-grandniece of Joseph Smith, to discuss her journey of breaking free from the Mormon Church and navigating family estrangement. Lyn shares her deeply personal story of growing up in a high-control religious environment, where questioning authority was discouraged, and leaving the church meant losing her place in the family and community. This episode unpacks the lasting impacts of religious trauma and the challenges of redefining identity after faith deconstruction.

Lyn’s narrative highlights the psychological and emotional toll of perfectionism, purity culture, and patriarchal systems within the Mormon faith. She recounts the pivotal moments that led her to question her beliefs, from reading forbidden books to confronting discrepancies in church teachings. Lyn also reflects on the estrangement she experienced after leaving her faith, including the struggles to reconnect with her family while maintaining personal boundaries and honoring her truth.

This episode offers valuable insights for listeners navigating similar transitions. Lyn and Matt discuss tools for healing, such as therapy, yoga, meditation, and building supportive relationships. They explore the importance of fostering acceptance, setting boundaries, and finding common ground when rebuilding relationships with loved ones. Whether you’re deconstructing your faith or seeking to reconcile with estranged family members, this conversation provides a roadmap for reclaiming autonomy and creating a life aligned with your values.

Takeaways

• Leaving a high-control religion often involves not only losing faith but also facing estrangement from family and community.

• Questioning institutional authority and exploring forbidden knowledge can be pivotal steps in deconstructing faith.

• The psychological impacts of perfectionism, shame, and purity culture often linger long after leaving a high-control environment.

• Rebuilding relationships with estranged family members requires mutual willingness, boundaries, and a focus on shared values.

• Healing from religious trauma involves tools like therapy, meditation, and connecting with supportive communities.

Quoteables

• In high-control religions, questioning isn’t just discouraged—it’s seen as dangerous, a threat to the entire system. – Lyn Smith Gregory

• When I left the church, it felt like a trap door had opened beneath me, and I was falling into an unknown void. – Lyn Smith Gregory

• Perfectionism doesn’t vanish when you leave a high-control religion—it just shifts to new, unattainable standards. – Matt Stine

• Reconciliation isn’t the next step after leaving—it’s something you can only approach once you’ve done the deep inner work. – Lyn Smith Gregory

• Giving people the dignity of their own journey means listening without judgment and finding common ground, even in disagreement. – Lyn Smith Gregory

Notes

• Lynn’s Website

• Lynn’s YouTube Channel

• How to Tell if Your High Control Religion is a Cult (+ Support Resources!)

Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction

Matt introduces the episode and welcomes guest Lyn Smith Gregory to share her journey.

• 02:09 - Growing Up in the Mormon Church

Lyn discusses her upbringing as a descendant of Joseph Smith, grappling with perfectionism and visibility within the church.

• 06:07 - The Moment of Doubt

Lyn recalls her university experience, exposure to forbidden texts, and the events that led her to question her faith.

• 12:26 - Facing Family Estrangement

Lyn describes the challenges of leaving the Mormon Church, including the emotional toll of estrangement from her family.

• 20:33 - The Impact of Purity Culture

The conversation shifts to how shame, body control, and worthiness interviews affect women in high-control religions.

• 27:35 - Starting the Healing Process

Lyn shares how therapy, yoga, and meditation helped her reconnect with her body, thoughts, and spirituality.

• 33:24 - Finding Common Ground with Family

Lyn talks about her family’s journey through therapy and rebuilding relationships despite differing beliefs.

• 40:47 - The Dignity of Individual Journeys

Lyn emphasizes the importance of respecting others’ paths and fostering connections through shared values.

• 47:53 - Conclusion

Matt and Lyn reflect on the power of storytelling, healing, and supporting others through similar journeys.

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